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Humanoid Robot Becomes NASA Government’s Invention of the Year

Man, when you see what beautiful things humans are capable of when they quit wasting time on finding new ways to kill each other and get together to build stuff instead, you realize why mankind still exists. OK, that might sound a little bit too dramatic, but you know what we mean. Take this humanoid robot created by NASA and General Motors who is basically the next medic on the International Space Station.
Humanoid Robot Becomes NASA Government’s Invention of the Year 17 photos
Photo: NASA
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It may be missing the “-D2” out if its name, but the R2 sure is getting there. In case you are wondering what that stands for you’ll be surprised to learn the humanoid robot’s name is, in fact, Robonaut 2. This bad boy is still learning lots of “how to”, but it was recently selected as the NASA Government Invention of the Year for 2014.

While R2 resides aboard the International Space Station, many of the technologies developed for R2 are being adapted for use on Earth, helping to give it the distinction of an outstanding government invention,” the Agency details.

What does it do, you ask? It’s the platform through which advanced technology is being transferred to U.S. industry. The robot was chosen from among many other valuable innovations by the NASA Invention and Contributions Board, NASA General Counsel and NASA Administrator, Charlie Bolden.

R2 is the “facelifted” version of the previous R1, which was built as a ground prototype to explore the potential for a humanoid robot to help astronauts during spacewalks. Think of a handy man that will take over the maintenance tasks, allowing astronauts to focus on the important work instead. According to the space agency, they have gained further expertise in expanding robotic technologies for space and Earth applications through the successful creation of partnerships with outside organizations.

Astronauts' best friend

As we said, the R2 was co-developed with GM through a Space Act Agreement. The newest version apparently is faster, more dexterous and comes with more sensing, a greater range of motion, and a safety system that allows it to work side-by-side with astronauts.

We’ve listed a video explaining the applications revolving around the robot, just to make sure you get a better impression. We do want to mention that the R2 will most likely be capable of conducting real-life surgeries in the future, as it is already being taught several procedures by some of the greatest medics in the world.

It’s the future people!

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